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Indeed, this is because Mauritius has double taxation avoidance agreements with many of the African countries.
This article clarifies the most important regulatory and logistical aspects of business aviation operation into Mauritius. Main Airports Sir Seewoosagur International Airport (ICAO: FIMP / IATA: MRU) is the main and only international airport in Mauritius. The airport operates 24 hours a day, and while commercial passenger flights require slots when operating to FIMP, there is no slot requirement for private and business jet operations. FIMP airport is 50 kilometers from the Mauritian Capital Port Louis, and it takes around a 30 to 45 minutes’ drive to reach the city from the airport. There is also another airport in Rodrigues, which is an island that belongs to Mauritius: Sir Gaetan Duval Airport (ICAO: FIMR / IATA: RRG), but the runway in this airport is not suitable for airliner commercial aircraft or large business jets. Landing Permit Securing a landing permit before landing in Mauritius is required for all type of flights, even for private FAR Part 91 flights. The Department of Civil Aviation of Mauritius is the authority responsible for issuing landing permits in the country. The landing permit application for private and business charter flights (FAR Part 135) must be submitted 72 hours before the estimated day of operation, while it is required to apply at least 2 months in advance for scheduled commercial operation. Information about the flight, aircraft and passengers similar to what is required in most of the countries in the world are required to be included in Mauritius landing permit application. If the aircraft has ammunitions or firearms on board, this must be notified to the department of civil aviation in the landing permit request. Ground Handling Services While the national carrier of the country, Air Mauritius, is the main ground handling company in Mauritius, there is a separate dedicated general aviation terminal (FBO) in Mauritius that was previously called General Aviation Mauritius (GAM). The FBO was recently rebranded as YU Lounge.
YU Lounge is located directly on the general aviation apron in FIMP. They have a 2000 SQM state-of-the-art hangar that can accommodate up to 2 Global Express or 4 Falcon 900s at the same time. YU Lounge has a special road separate from the entrance of the main commercial terminal, so that passengers’ privacy and confidentiality are secured. As Mauritius is located in a cyclone area, the hangar provides enhanced adequate security from adverse climatic conditions. YU Lounge provide light maintenance and support for corporate aircraft in their hangar.
YU Lounge offers free Wi-Fi in the FBO, and they have two separate departure and arrival lounges that contain meeting rooms, showers and prayer rooms. Immigrations and customs are available inside YU Lounge FBO. Aviation Fuel JET A1 is generally available in Mauritius with no shortages, and it’s the same for AVGAS. Air Total, Vivo Energy and Engen all supply aviation fuel in Mauritius. All the major international fuel cards are accepted for purchase of fuel in Mauritius, besides credit cards as well. Visa While crew can enter Mauritius on GENDEC, according to the international aviation regulations applied in most countries, passengers of most nationalities can enter Mauritius with no visa requirement at all or through a visa obtained in the airport upon arrival with a validity of up to sixty days. Mauritius relies heavily on tourism, which is the main reason why the country makes it very easy for foreigners to visit for tourism or business. Passengers from certain nationalities still require a visa when flying to Mauritius, such as Vietnam, Taiwan, Philippines, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran and some other countries. Besides the consulates of Mauritius, the visa can be secured through Air Mauritius offices and general tickets sales agents, who will coordinate the visa with the Passports and Immigration Office of Mauritius. Inflight Catering Plaisance Catering is the main provider of aviation inflight catering for both private and commercial flights in Mauritius. If something in particular is desired by the passengers or the crew, then catering can also be arranged from the hotels. Your Stay in Mauritius Mauritius has amazing resorts and beautiful hotels. Hotels that are preferable for crew stay in the island include: Le Shandrani, Holiday Inn, LUX le Morne and Belle Mare Plage. Mauritius is a very secure country in general. Still, private security for aircraft, passengers and secured transportation can be arranged. While it’s safe to take public taxis in Mauritius, it might be preferable to book a private taxi from your international trip planning or international transportation providers, or from the local FBO, as they ensure timely arrival of the car, in addition to the appropriate language skills of the driver. YU Lounge FBO has Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q5 and BMW X Series for ramp transfer of the passengers. If you would like to go around the city, the Bagatelle shopping mall near Ebene city provides an enjoyable shopping experience and very nice atmosphere. You can easily communicate with the Mauritians, as English is the official language of the country, in addition to French which is very widely spoken besides the local languages. Mauritius is one of the islands that many of us dream of visiting or probably retiring to. It’s a country that is full of attractions and natural beauty. Business aviation operations into Mauritius are straightforward with clear transparent regulations and good service infrastructure. Trust my advice that you will enjoy your trip to this paradise on earth, as I’ve tried it myself.
Dr. Adnan Branbo is the Chief Executive Officer of iJET, a flight support service provider based in Malta and Dubai. iJET services include over-flight and landing permits, credit ground support arrangements, and highly competitive aviation fuel. iJET network covers the world, through alliances and relationships with local agents and major suppliers around the world. Adnan can be reached at: adnan@ijet.aero Also in this series - Operating your Business Flight to: Qatar | Nigeria | Jordan | Algeria | UAE | Angola | Oman | Sri Lanka
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